“A father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” -Billy Graham
The role is a father is absolutely crucial in the lives of children. There is no one who can replace dad!
“Dad, I wonder if I will ever be able to make it.” I responded, “All Heavenly Father asks of us is to do the very best we can each day.” Brothers and sisters, do the best you can do day after day, and before you know it, you will come to realize that your Heavenly Father knows you and that He loves you. And when you know that—really know it—your life will have real purpose and meaning and you will be filled with joy and peace.” (M. Russell Ballard April 2019)
I love this, because just like our Heavenly Father, our earthly father is who we look to for confirmation that we are doing okay. I will never forget when it was finally my turn to go to the temple, I had waited 20 years for Mark to feel good about me going. All my life’s mistakes came rushing into my mind, and as a 40 year old daughter I told my dad, “What if I’m not worthy?” I don’t think he even thought much about his response or that it would impact me the way it did, but he told me, “Sherri, in my eyes you are worthy.” Every ounce of every worry immediately left my mind, and I felt a surge of joy. My dad thought I was worthy. It meant the whole world to me. I still reflect on those simple words spoken by a loving dad, whenever I feel inadequate.
Dads, your children are looking up to you. They want your approval. They want to please you. I am my children’s best fan, as their mother. They are the best at everything. It doesn’t matter if they are sitting in the bench at their basketball game, I think they are the best bench sitters. Mark, on the other hand, expects them to be their best. He isn’t concerned with whether or not they are better than others, he just wants them to do their best. He isn’t hesitant to let them know that they can do better. Sometimes the kids can get their feelings hurt, and they run to me for a hug, but it’s dad that they look at when on the basketball court, giving a presentation, learning to ride a bike, or any other accomplishment in life. They look to him for approval. All the kids seek to please their father.
“Words such as those also have power in the other direction, father to son. When a son has made a serious mistake, perhaps in a spiritual matter, he may feel that he has failed. As his father, in that moment, you may be surprised when, after you pray to know what to do, the Holy Ghost puts these words into your mouth: “Son, I’m with you all the way. The Lord loves you. With His help, you can make it back. I know that you can and that you will. I love you.” -Henry B. Eyring
-Sherri Jorgensen
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